Holidays and Traditions

What to consider when converting a single-axle trailer to a tandem?

There is lots of utility space for whatever you need to carry in trucks.Not all trucks are created equal.You can pull heavier loads and carry more weight in the bed if your truck has dual rear wheels.Mass-production techniques allow you to make a dually with just a few parts and supplies.

Place the vehicle on the jack stands.Before you crawl underneath the vehicle, make sure it is secure.There is a place underneath the frame.Place the rear wheels on the side using the tire iron.

Use an open-end wrench to unbolt the driveline bolts.The pry bar should be between the driveline and the axle.

The leaf springs can be unbolted from the vehicle using a set of tools.There are two bolts at the front of the leaf spring, mounted to the frame, and another pair near the back bumper bolts.The rear shocks should be unbolted using the 1/2-inch sockets and open-end wrench.The frame will be freed by doing this.

The jack is underneath the pumpkin.Lift the axle off of the jacks and then lower it so that it sits on the jack.With the leaf springs connected, slide the jack backwards out from under the vehicle.

To mount the leaf springs to the frame, use the 1/2-inch ratchet and sockets set and an open-end wrench.The leaf springs will go in the same way as the stock units, with one mount up front on the frame and the other by the back bumper.

Push the jack under the vehicle and slide the dually axle under it.Attach the axle to the jack stands with the help of a jack.An assistant may be able to help locate the frame because of it's weight.Depending on how much you're willing to pay, this dually axle can be found at a junkyard or through your local dealership.If you buy a junkyard model, make sure that there are no obvious leaks near the differential cover or at the end of the axle by the seals, and check the drum shoes or disc pads to ensure they are in good working condition.It's easy to start with something that works well if you don't have the brakes.

If you want to unbolt the U-bolts that secure the axle to the leaf spring, use the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket set.If you want to orient the leaf springs the same way as the stock ones, you have to transfer the U-bolts to the new axle.There is a pin in the center of the leaf spring that will lead to a hole on the axle.Make sure the two of them are on the same side as you tighten the U-bolts.

Use an open-end wrench and the bolts on the axle to connect the driveline to the yoke of the vehicle.Use the brake line wrench set to connect the brakes to the frame.